Javaid Rehman, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, reiterated his concern over the escalating number of death sentences issued and carried out by the regime’s judicial system in his latest report.
In his report prepared for the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, Rehman highlights that Iran saw at least 834 executions in 2023, marking a 43% increase compared to the previous year.
Reflecting on past protests, notably in 2009, 2019, and 2022, Rehman expresses alarm over the arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, torture, rushed executions, and lack of fair trials for protesters.
He laments the regime’s failure to conduct independent and transparent investigations into various violations of citizens’ rights, emphasizing the Iranian people’s right to express opinions and assemble peacefully.
Within this 42-page report, the Special Rapporteur delves into the detention of foreign citizens and Iranians with dual citizenship, welcoming the release of at least 8 such prisoners in 2023.
Rehman further voices apprehension about the ongoing trend of arresting foreign citizens and dual-national Iranians by regime security forces, calling for an end to this practice and the release of other detainees.
In another segment, he addresses the status of women and girls in Iran, expressing concern over the regime’s imposition of mandatory hijab and the continued violation of the rights of those advocating voluntary veiling.
The report also underscores the persisting discrimination and rights violations against religious and ethnic minorities within the regime.
In his first comprehensive media interview in his six-year tenure, Rehman expresses confidence in the Iranian people’s resilience against the regime.
He clarifies that his mission operates independently and does not collaborate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, making it challenging for him to comment on its activities.
The 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council commenced on February 20 and will extend until April 6.
Earlier in February, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, while expressing concern over the substantial increase in executions in Iran, emphasized that such punishment contradicts fundamental human rights and should cease immediately.
Türk stressed the importance of due process and fair trials for all defendants, condemning the use of coerced confessions as evidence in any proceedings.
He urged the regime to implement an immediate moratorium on the death penalty, with the ultimate goal of abolishing the practice, citing its inconsistency with the fundamental right to life.
